Making Reform Reality

Enabling Change for United Nations Peace Operations

Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze (ZIF) | 2016

Almost a year ago the High-Level Independent Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (HIPPO) published its report offering a broad range of recommendations aimed at enhancing UN peace operations. Their implementation is currently working its way through the UN system, particularly those aspects taken up in the Secretary General’s (SG) subsequent implementation report. However, additional issues deserve Member States’ consideration and support. Particular attention should be given to those reform aspects that make an immediate difference for field missions. This background paper therefore highlights six critical areas where UN peace operations have struggled in the past: robustness; protection of civilians; countering violent extremism and asymmetric threats; rapid deployment capabilities; peacebuilding; and prevention and mediation. It also provides suggestions for the way forward. Ultimately, it is Member States’ engagement that will determine the success of the UN’s peace operations review process.